P168 Billion Boost: Manufacturing, Agriculture Top List as Qatari Funds Arrive -BDC

Описание: BDC Unveils Plan to Channel Qatari Billions into Jobs, Industry, and Growth

Gaborone — The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has revealed how the landmark $12 billion investment from Qatar’s Al Mansour Holdings will be used to reboot the economy, create thousands of jobs, and diversify the country’s economic base beyond diamonds.

Speaking after the deal’s signing, BDC officials confirmed that the funds would be directed toward strategic sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, energy, and emerging industries like cybersecurity and defense.

“This partnership represents a new chapter for Botswana’s economic transformation,” a BDC spokesperson said. “It is about building sustainable industries, attracting technology, and creating employment opportunities for our citizens.”

The investment, announced following President Duma Boko’s high-level engagement with the Qatari royal family, comes at a time when Botswana faces sluggish growth amid falling diamond revenues.

Under the plan, manufacturing and infrastructure will receive the largest share, targeting industrial parks, agro-processing plants, renewable energy projects, and tourism facilities. The BDC estimates that thousands of long-term jobs will be created as projects break ground over the next two years.

Economic analysts have described the deal as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to fast-track Vision 2036, the country’s blueprint for a diversified, export-driven economy.

However, experts also warned that success would depend on efficient implementation and strong governance to avoid delays and wastage.

For now, the BDC has promised transparency and impact-driven investments, with regular updates on progress as projects roll out.